<div class="quote_poster">Quoting THE DREAM:</div><div class="quote_post">So I guess this kills the theory that it's all the "state govt.s" fault.</div> Not really, maybe you should actually read the news: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9189916/ <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Behind the scenes, a power struggle emerged, as federal officials tried to wrest authority from Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (D). Shortly before midnight Friday, the Bush administration sent her a proposed legal memorandum asking her to request a federal takeover of the evacuation of New Orleans, a source within the state's emergency operations center said Saturday. The administration had sought control over National Guard units, normally under control of the governor. Louisiana officials rejected the request, noting that such a move would be comparable to a federal declaration of martial law. State authorities suspected a political motive behind the request. "Quite frankly, if they'd been able to pull off taking it away from the locals, they then could have blamed everything on the locals," said the source, who is an adviser and does not have the authority to speak publicly. Blanco made two moves Saturday that protected her independence from the federal government: She created a philanthropic fund for the state's victims and hired James Lee Witt, Federal Emergency Management Agency director in the Clinton administration, to advise her on the relief effort. Bush, who has been criticized, even by supporters, for the delayed response to the disaster, used his weekly radio address to put responsibility for the failure on lower levels of government. The magnitude of the crisis "has created tremendous problems that have strained state and local capabilities," he said. "The result is that many of our citizens simply are not getting the help they need, especially in New Orleans. And that is unacceptable." In a Washington briefing, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said one reason federal assets were not used more quickly was "because our constitutional system really places the primary authority in each state with the governor." And FEMA Director Michael D. Brown, a frequent target of New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin's wrath, said Saturday that "the mayor can order an evacuation and try to evacuate the city, but if the mayor does not have the resources to get the poor, elderly, the disabled, those who cannot, out, or if he does not even have police capacity to enforce the mandatory evacuation, to make people leave, then you end up with the kind of situation we have right now in New Orleans."</div>
She requested the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Under this act ... The President shall form emergency support teams of Federal personnel to be deployed in an area affected by a major disaster or emergency. Such emergency support teams shall assist the Federal coordinating officer in carrying out his responsibilities pursuant to this chapter. Upon request of the President, the head of any Federal agency is directed to detail to temporary duty with the emergency support teams on either a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, as is determined necessary by the President, such personnel within the administrative jurisdiction of the head of the Federal agency as the President may need or believe to be useful for carrying out the functions of the emergency support teams, each such detail to be without loss of seniority, pay, or other employee status. Read the rest There's no excuse for Bush to pass the blame. 310} 5153. Priority to certain applications for public facility and public housing assistance (a) Priority In the processing of applications for assistance, <u>priority and immediate consideration shall be given </u> by the head of the appropriate Federal agency, during such period as the President shall prescribe, to applications from public bodies situated in <u>areas affected by major disasters </u> under the following Acts: (1) The United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.] for the provision of low-income housing. (2) Section 462 of Title 40 [Section 702 of the Housing Act of 1954, 42 U.S.C. 462] for assistance in public works planning. (3) The Community Development Block Grant Program under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 [42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.]. (4) Section 1926 of Title 7 [Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act of 1965, 7 U.S.C. 1926]. (5) The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 [42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.]. (6) The Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. (7) The Federal Water Pollution Control Act [33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.]. ( Obligation of certain discretionary funds In the obligation of discretionary funds or funds which are not allocated among the States or political subdivisions of a State, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Commerce shall give priority to applications for projects for major disaster areas.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">In the event of a terrorist attack,<u> natural disaster </u> or other large-scale emergency, the Department of Homeland Security will assume primary responsibility on March 1st for ensuring that emergency response professionals are prepared for any situation. <u>This will entail providing a coordinated, comprehensive federal response to any large-scale crisis and mounting a swift and effective recovery effort</u>. The new Department will also prioritize the important issue of citizen preparedness. Educating America's families on how best to prepare their homes for a disaster and tips for citizens on how to respond in a crisis will be given special attention at DHS.</div> Source
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting THE DREAM:</div><div class="quote_post">^^thank you....some people just don't know when to give up.</div> Completely aside from this little argument that Shapecity and Hunter were having, I noticed that you still haven't said anything about your insanely ignorant and foolish comment about the government's reaction being racist. Would you please tell that to all of my white friends in Mississippi that I haven't heard from since the storm. For all I know, they're dead right now, and now you're trying to tell me that the reason the government didn't get into Mississippi faster and help them was because the government is racist? That doesn't make much sense. I realize that Mississippi is not New Orleans, but it's the same disaster and the same government that we're talking about here. Yes, I'm white. To put such a negative connotation on that, it makes your posts look racist, and it also males you look like the niave one. Yes, racism exists in America. No ****. It exists in every nation in the world. But you can't let that small racist minority group slant your entire opinion about that group's race. Not all whites are racist. In fact, living in the heart of racism in America, I can assure you that most racists that I have encountered are actually African Americans. If I had to call it any "ism", it'd be classism, because clearly it's the poor people who were affected the most. The rich lost jobs, educations, their houses, and in some cases, their lives. However, it's mostly poor people (ALL races) who have died; African Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics, Asians, etc.
^^^If you would've read my post then you would realize where the racism comes in at (unless you're one of those white people, who totally think that it's not possible for our Government to do such a thing).......for God sakes the Mayor of N.O. was on t.v. last night complaining on how cops were denying a lot of black citizens access to get out of the city, because they had a fear that they would vandalize the richer areas of the city.......let me ask you this Voodoo if this disaster would've happened in Manhattan, do you think help would've been there quicker????.....the govts response was slow because most of the people left behind were poor and black. EDIT: And for the record I'm not racist, I'm just real.....you can take that how you want to take it.....if anything I'd call you the racist one for not believing that our Govt. has been and still is racist today. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Not all whites are racist. In fact, living in the heart of racism in America, I can assure you that most racists that I have encountered are actually African Americans</div> I never said all whites are racist.........and to explain that last sentence of yours (eventhough you're totally wrong,considering most of this nations population is white), it's the "Hate that Hate made".....everyday black kids are killed by white cops, given uneven playing ground by our white government and it's capitalistic greedy system.....have you ever thought that one of the reasons that the reason why black people may not like some white folks is, because they give them a reason not to like them????.....I mean honestly blacks have been opressed and held back all these years, do you expect a black person to be happy about that????....Maybe you would like them to take it lying down..You are one of the many brainwashed people who never put the shoe on the other foot......I'm done arguing with you, because it's obvious that you'll never understand.
I just deleted my earlier post because I was really pissed off when I typed it... but the bottom line still remains the same. You need to stop confusing poor people with black people, and stop being so negative about white people; many of whom have rushed to New Orleans, Mississippi, and Alabama to help the victims.
Like I said, all white people aren't racist and history has shown that........and it is seen today, but just realize that this country is still very racist...it may not be as noticeable, but racism and discrimination is still alive and kicking....segregation still exist (schools,neighborhoods,etc.),harrasment from policemen towards blackmen is still around,and a whole lot more....you say don't confuse poor people with black people, well that's kind of hard to do considering most blacks are still poor today in the U.S.......the two almost run hand in hand, so you can't seperate them........all I ask is for you to have an open mind and really think about what I'm saying here.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting THE DREAM:</div><div class="quote_post">Like I said, all white people aren't racist and history has shown that........and it is seen today, but just realize that this country is still very racist...it may not be as noticeable, but racism and discrimination is still alive and kicking....segregation still exist (schools,neighborhoods,etc.),harrasment from policemen towards blackmen is still around,and a whole lot more....you say don't confuse poor people with black people, well that's kind of hard to do considering most blacks are still poor today in the U.S.......the two almost run hand in hand, so you can't seperate them........all I ask is for you to have an open mind and really think about what I'm saying here.</div> You're asking for ME to have an open mind? I'm the one here saying that it's not as simple as you're trying to make it seem. Racism and discrimination exists, and it goes both ways. Where I come from, the "white trash" neighborhoods and the trailpark communities and what have you more or less outnumber the black ghettos... so I think I've got great room to say to not confuse poor people with black people.
^^^^Look outside from just where you're from, the U.S. is a big place........Most blacks in the U.S. are poor and living in ghettos......Yes there are whites that are poor, but blacks have a history of being discriminated against in this country, from the slave ships that dropped millions and millions of African bodies off into the ocean,to slaves being bought and sold and treated like property,to the raping of our women and children, to segregation (that still goes on),to police brutality (that still goes on),to the crack epedimic,to being used as guniea pigs to test diseases,etc. .......it is more than just a class issue that has and is going on in America.......you never have to worry about going into a store and being looked up and down, because of the fear that you might steal something,you don't know what it's like to hold your breath everytime you pass a cop (eventhough you're doing nothing) because you have a fear that they'll pull you over,you don't know what it's liked to be portrayed in a negative way by the media........it is bigger than just class.......racism and discrimination can both ways, but most rich people in this nation are white....Whites run the government,big businesses,etc.......whites can be discriminated against, but history has shown that black people are the ones that suffer the most in the U.S.A.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting THE DREAM:</div><div class="quote_post">^^^^Look outside from just where you're from, the U.S. is a big place........Most blacks in the U.S. are poor and living in ghettos......Yes there are whites that are poor, but blacks have a history of being discriminated against in this country, from the slave ships that dropped millions and millions of African bodies off into the ocean,to slaves being bought and sold and treated like property,to the raping of our women and children, to segregation (that still goes on),to police brutality (that still goes on),to the crack epedimic,to being used as guniea pigs to test diseases,etc. .......it is more than just a class issue that has and is going on in America.......you never have to worry about going into a store and being looked up and down, because of the fear that you might steal something,you don't know what it's like to hold your breath everytime you pass a cop (eventhough you're doing nothing) because you have a fear that they'll pull you over,you don't know what it's liked to be portrayed in a negative way by the media........it is bigger than just class.......racism and discrimination can both ways, but most rich people in this nation are white....Whites run the government,big businesses,etc.......whites can be discriminated against, but history has shown that black people are the ones that suffer the most in the U.S.A.</div> Again, did I ever say that racism didn't exist in America? I'd also appreciate it if you stop giving me a sob story about holding your breath around cops, because frankly, I've been discriminated against worse. I mean seriously, do you think you're the only one who has been discriminated against? I don't know if you saw the post that I had up last night/this morning that I edited because basically I don't want to go into too many personal details about my life, but basically, I've experienced every kind of racism, from simply being made fun of at my all-black school to being jumped and robbed for being white. You talk about all of the terrible things that white people have done to black people in this nation's history, but let me ask you; were you ever raped, were you ever segregated, were you ever enslaved? Odds are you have no idea what it truely means to be the victim of racism like I do, because the only thing you're saying to me are little petty things like being scared driving by cops (no ****, who isn't?). "Portrayed in a negative way by the media" I find a pretty funny statement, because much of today's media is more racist towards white people, constantly stereotyping them as dorky, rich, lazy, etc. If I have to watch another "Trailer Fabulous", "Chapelle Show", or Kanye West music video, I'm going to stop watching television all together. I mean, when Black Entertainment Television is one of the highest rating channels in America, how can you tell me the media is racist? And the issue of the flood is not the whole world; it's the south, and in the south, poverty is rampant all over, not just in black communities. Nobody is talking about L.A. or New York or even Houston. BTW - Did you say the "crack epedemic" is an example of racism? Wow... I don't even know why I'm replying to you
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting THE DREAM:</div><div class="quote_post">^^^You must be white or extremely naive.</div> No, i am actually indian. Thats biased though, and racist.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Again, did I ever say that racism didn't exist in America? I'd also appreciate it if you stop giving me a stob story about holding your breath around cops, because frankly, I've been discriminated against worse. I mean seriously, do you think you're the only one who has been discriminated against? I don't know if you saw the post that I had up last night/this morning that I edited because basically I don't want to go into too many personal details about my life, but basically, I've experienced every kind of racism, from simply being made fun of at my all-black school to being jumped and robbed for being white. Let me ask you; were you ever raped, were you ever segregated, were you ever inslaved? Odds are you have no idea what it truely means to be the victim of racism like I do, because the only thing you're saying to me are little petty things like being scared driving by cops (no ****, who isn't?). "Portrayed in a negative way by the media" I find a pretty funny statement, because much of today's media is more racist towards white people, constantly stereotyping them as dorky, rich, lazy, etc. If I have to watch another "Trailer Fabulous", "Chapelle Show", or Kanye West music video, I'm going to stop watching television all together. I mean, when Black Entertainment Television is one of the highest rating channels in America, how can you tell me the media is racist? And the issue of the flood is not the whole world; it's the south, and in the south, poverty is rampant all over, not just in black communities. Nobody is talking about L.A. or New York or even Houston. BTW - Did you say the "crack epedemic" is an example of racism? Wow... I don't even know why I'm replying to you</div> This statement aboves just proves how brainwashed you are. Yes whites can be discriminated against, but discrimination towards African Americans has been and is much more worst, mainly because racist whites are the ones in power and it's been that way for a long time. I feel like I'm repeating myself. And LOL @ B.E.T., don't let the label "Black entertainment" fool you, B.E.T. is trash. That station portrays black people in a negative manner most of the time. And you want me to explain how the crack epedemic is racist...LOL.....how exactly do you think that crack got to black ghettos????....do you think it just popped up one day out of the ground?????..........You tell me not to tell my "sob stories", well those "sob stories" are the truth, that White people like yourself have a tough time dealing with, so just try to downplay it as being a "sob story", I've heard it all before......I ask of no pity from you, all I ask is for you to be real for a second and see where I'm coming from....I'm sorry that blacks mistreat you, but just take a look at the big picture, and you'll realize that we have had it and still have it much worst.......you might be poor, but when you're poor and black it makes it that much more difficult in this world ran by the rich whiteman, who despises you.
I think you are both arguing the same point, but from different perspectives, based on your own personal experiences. The bottomline is lack of education in the US. It's the lack of education, which spawns stereoptypes and lack of respect for each other. I'm not implying either of you are not educated, but in general people are, and the media is the first to exploit it and feed negativity.
